Region's controlled burns to
start in forests

By
EVERARD HIMMELREICH

A PROGRAM of pre-summer planned burns in the region’s northern forests is under way.

A PROGRAM of pre-summer planned burns in the region’s northern forests is under way.

Department of Environment and Primary Industries far south-west operations manager Peter Scott said 200 hectares was burnt last week along the Nangeela-Tullich Road at Corndale, north-west of Casterton, and were still being patrolled this week.

Mr Scott said another burn of 366 hectares along the Corndale-Long Lead Track at Corndale might begin today, depending on weather conditions and fuel moisture levels, while another 544 hectares along Peters Track, north-east of Dergholm, could be burnt during the weekend.

He said it was likely the department would wait until spring to burn another 712 hectares along the Nangeela-Tullich Road at Corndale.

“Smoke may be visible in the areas around Dergholm, Casterton and Corndale this week,” Mr Scott said.

“There may also be smoke over the roads nearby so we ask road users to slow down and obey all traffic signs and instructions from fire crews near the burns.”

Mr Scott said planned burning reduced fuel hazards to make it easier to control bushfires before they grew and threatened communities and assets.

“Planned burning also reduces the damage caused by bushfires by slowing them down and making them less intense. Every burn we do now means we are better prepared for future fire seasons.”